A GOOD reception should be guaranteed for people trying to access council services at a civic centre.

Redevelopment work has made the reception area of Sunderland Civic Centre more user-friendly, with lowered customer service desks for wheelchair users, confidential interview rooms and a central computerised information desk.

Other improvements include a waiting area with television sets, video-link equipment to provide access to outlying council offices and floor guides to show people to various departments.

Sunderland City Council's assistant customer services manager Karen Connor said the new system was already helping staff to deal with inquiries more quickly and avoid lengthy waiting times.